Immigration Corner | Dental nurse wants to migrate to Canada

Good day, Ms Powell,

I am a dental nurse in Jamaica and I am interested in migrating to Canada. What do I need to do to qualify? I would like my application to be processed quickly, so please advise the most efficient route. Thank you for your assistance in advance. KA

Dear KA,

Canada has several pathways to becoming a permanent resident of Canada. The most efficient method is via the express entry system, as your application can be processed within six months, if you are able to qualify under the federal skilled worker programme ( FSWP).

The express entry system is a points-based system whereby individuals are ranked and selected based on their age, education, skills, language, work experience and other factors. Additional points will be given if an individual has Canadian education, work experience, a valid job, nomination from a province, and a sibling in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

The key is to have documents to prove your education and language skills, and a reference letter detailing your work experience. If you obtained your education at a college or university outside of Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from one of the designated institutions, such as Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, International Credential Assessment Service of Canada, World Education Services, International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or the International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology. You must pay for the report and arrange for your original transcripts to be delivered to the institution for assessment.

The ECA report must be issued for immigration purposes and will be valid for five years. If you have more than one post-secondary school credential, such as a bachelor’s degree, diploma, master’s or associate degree, you should get each of them assessed. At least one of your credentials should be a programme of at least three years in length, to maximise the points being awarded.

Canada has two official languages, English and French. If you have the ability to speak both languages, then you should provide test results for both. The acceptable tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training Examination or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program ( CELPIP), General Language tests. For French, the TEF Canada - Test d’evaluatuon de francaisor the TCF Canada - Test de connaissance du Francais is required. These examinations are critical to the success of your application.

Your work experience is critical to this application. You must have a minimum of one continuous year of employment with the same employer, to qualify. If you have 3-5 years’ work experience, you get higher points. Your work experience can be proven by providing a letter of recommendation from current and past employers. This letter must be on the company’s letterhead and signed by authorised personnel such as a human resource manager, director, or owner of the company. The letter must provide details of the exact period of employment, number of hours per week, your salary, job title and job description.

The next step is to state your interest in being selected for permanent residence by applying to enter the pool of eligible candidates on the Government of Canada’s website. If selected, you will be given an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The government will evaluate your case and then grant you a confirmation of permanent residence which will authorise you to travel to Canada, and then you will be given a permanent residence card.

If you would like assistance with your application, you may request a Zoom/ telephone consultation to receive additional information on how to maximise your comprehensive ranking score so that your application is successful.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public in Canada.You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may call or WhatsApp 613-695-8777.